Ohio lawmakers are currently considering House Bill 652, legislation that would extend the required notice period for insurance non-renewals from 30 days to 60 days for homeowners and commercial policies.
At first glance, that may seem like a small procedural change. In reality, it could prove beneficial for both Ohio homeowners and Ohio business owners navigating today’s ever evolving insurance market.
Under current Ohio law, insurers generally must provide 30 days’ notice before declining to renew certain property and commercial insurance policies.
In today’s market, 30 days can be tight.
For homeowners, a non-renewal notice often arrives unexpectedly. That leaves limited time to understand the reason, gather documentation, schedule inspections, compare quotes, and find replacement coverage.
For commercial insurance policies, the challenge can be even greater. Many businesses have layered coverage and specialized risks. Remarketing a commercial policy properly can take weeks. When time runs short, businesses may face higher premiums, reduced coverage options, or placement in the excess and surplus market.
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If passed, House Bill 652 would extend the Ohio insurance non-renewal notice requirement from 30 days to 60 days for both homeowners (HO) policies and commercial lines.
That additional 30 days provides something critical: time. That means more time to:
• Evaluate coverage options
• Work with an independent agent
• Prevent gaps in coverage
Note that the bill does not require insurers to renew policies they no longer wish to write. Carriers would still retain full authority over underwriting decisions. The legislation does ensure that Ohio policyholders receive adequate notice when a non-renewal occurs.
In today’s property insurance environment, time directly impacts available options.
Property insurance markets have tightened nationwide due to inflation, higher rebuilding costs, catastrophe exposure, and underwriting adjustments. When markets shift, non-renewals become more common. That makes the length of the notice period more significant.
With 60 days instead of 30, homeowners have a better opportunity to address underwriting concerns and secure replacement Ohio homeowners insurance without interruption. Business owners gain additional time to present updated financials, property details, or risk mitigation strategies when seeking new Ohio commercial insurance coverage.
The difference between 30 days and 60 days can determine whether a policyholder maintains stable coverage or faces last-minute disruption.
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Other states have already moved toward longer non-renewal notice requirements, recognizing the strain that shortened timelines place on policyholders. Extending Ohio’s notice period to 60 days would align the state with broader efforts to modernize insurance regulations and improve consumer protections.
If House Bill 652 is enacted, it would strengthen the position of Ohio policyholders, including Roehr Insurance clients. The extended non-renewal notice period allows for more thoughtful pricing negotiations and thorough market comparison.
Essentially, it allows clients to be strategic rather than reactive.
House Bill 652 represents a practical update to Ohio insurance law; one that supports transparency, planning, and stronger protection for policyholders. Have questions about the bill? Our team is ready to help.
